Over-Ear
Audeze LCD-XC
68Good
$1,800
Full review dataAudeze LCD-XC vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $1199.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
84Outstanding
$1,200
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Audeze LCD-XC
- HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
HearWiki score
68
84
Sound
8.7
9.4
Value
7.3
8.0
Price (USD)
$1,800
$1,200
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is 11 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 11 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- LCD-XC2013
- Arya Unveiled202411 yr newer
Specifications
LCD-XCArya Unveiled
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,800
- $1,200
- HearWiki score
- 68
- 84
- Released
- 2013
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 106 mm planar magnetic
- planar magnetic
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Driver size
- 106 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- -
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Impedance
- 20 Ω
- 27 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 100 dB/mW
- 94 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 677 g
- 413 g
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 6.35 mm
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
Audeze LCD-XC
The Audeze LCD-XC is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring large 106mm drivers that deliver detailed and accurate sound. It offers acoustic isolation for focused listening sessions, though it lacks active noise cancellation and requires a wired connection. With a robust build and high weight, it prioritizes sonic precision over portability.
- Pro:Exceptional detail and accuracy for critical listening
- Pro:Large planar drivers provide low distortion and fast response
- Pro:Closed-back design offers good passive isolation
- Con:Heavy and bulky, may cause fatigue over long sessions
- Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier to perform optimally
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail and balanced, natural tonality across the spectrum. Its grill-less design reduces unwanted sound reflections, while its relatively low impedance and high sensitivity make it easier to drive than many peers, though the exposed driver requires careful handling. Overall, it offers strong technical performance and engaging vocals, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking high-end sound.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and tonal accuracy
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Easy to drive for a high-end planar
- Con:Exposed driver design is vulnerable to damage
- Con:Limited connectivity options out of the box
- Con:Ear-cup material may feel less premium
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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